The National Executive Committee of the Coalition for Democratic Change terms as appropriate and timely, Monday’s (06 May) statement by the Embassy of the United States of America, encouraging ‘All Liberians to reflect on their role in constructively contributing to development and sustaining peace’.
CDC national chairman Mulbah Morlu in an official statement Tuesday, May 07, notes that the leadership of the Coalition for Democratic Change reiterates this important concern raised by the United States Embassy against divisive rhetoric, as such, the CDC calls on all officials and members to avoid unhealthy or inciting political utterances that could undermine peace, security and the mutual coexistence of all Liberians.
In what seems clearly as a contradiction, Chairman Morlu himself publicly accused former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf recently of funding protesters gearing up to assemble in Monrovia on 07 June, but the Minister of Information Lenn Eugene Nagbe swiftly rebuked him, dismissing his [Morlu’s] assertion as untrue
In reference to suspended Minister Fahngon’s reprehensible tribal rhetoric, the ruling Coalition says as a mass-based democratic institution inspired into existence by the ideas of a just, free and equitable society for all, makes clear that it has no space for ‘Congau-Native’ politics, and rejects any politics that stirs division.
However, it lauds President Weah for the suspension of Deputy Minister Fahngon, and believes it’s a step in the right direction, reaffirming the CDC-led government’s unshaken commitment to a ‘One country, one people policy’.
“Within this framework, the CDC reminds all partisans of its already-stated position on the status quo, which unequivocally denounces any plan for counter-protest that may only serve the unscrupulous agenda of a few. While the CDC respects the rights to peaceful assembly, it however, cautions all Liberians against any unauthorized protest, especially in view of the British Government’s security alert on Liberia,” the statement adds.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the CDC, while calling for the practice of impartial journalism, nonetheless reaffirms the CDC’s unflinching commitment to free speech, and calls on all partisans to be tolerant of criticisms as [they] work to strengthen the democratic gains [they] fought to achieve.
Meanwhile, ahead of National Unification Day, the CDC encourages all partisans, sympathizers and supporters to be reconciliatory in words and actions, and continue to show tolerance while using various platforms, especially social media, utilizing dialogue and other forms of constructive engagement as best mechanisms through which contending national issues may be addressed.
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In a statement Monday, the Embassy of the United States warns, “It is unacceptable for Senator Prince Y. Johnson, Representative Yekeh Kolubah, “ex-generals” or other former actors in Liberia’s civil wars to incite unlawful acts through ill-considered rhetoric that could jeopardize Liberia’s hard-won peace and security.”
The statement specifically notes that it is equally irresponsible for people within leadership positions in government or the ruling party to promote such division as suspended Deputy Minister Eugene Fahngon has done on social media, adding, “To take such a public stance and suggest it is a private opinion or a personal right reflects a misunderstanding of the nature of public service in a democracy.”
The Executive Mansion on Monday suspended Deputy Minister of Information Eugene Fahngon for time indefinite, immediately after the statement from the Embassy of the United States. Editing by Jonathan Browne
